The Media Studies Student Association (MSSA) aims to foster a community in the Bachelor of Media Studies program. The MSSA showcases the diversity of our students, and provides opportunities for personal, professional, and academic growth. By connecting with organizations involved in new media, we can inform about the unique BMS program and support students through their journey.
MSSA Executive Board 2023 – 2024
The MSSA holds annual general meetings once a year in March to elect new members of the executive board. BMS students are encouraged to attend the MSSA annual general meeting to stay informed on issues throughout the media studies community at UBC.
Lakshanyaa Ganesh (she/her)
Position at MSSA: President
Year: 4
About:
I really enjoy the wide range of interests that we can explore through the BMS program, and being a part of a unique cohort of people each with such different interesting talents has been so enriching and valuable these last 4 years! I'm so excited to continue building community within BMS through MSSA and put on fun events for everyone.
Personal Interest in Media Studies
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Marketing/Communications for the public sectorNarrative journalism
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Graphic Design
- Marketing/Communications for the public sector
- Narrative Journalism
- Graphic Design
David Weng
Position at MSSA: Treasurer
Year: 3
About:
My dream of becoming a recognized content creator brought me to the BMS program. In my spare time, I play a lot of semi-retro (within two generations) video games, and my favourite study spot would be Ruth Blair D at Walter Gage Residence - it's a great spot for people who have access to it, I study there a lot! My role as treasurer is to keep us from going broke.
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Video Editing
- Digital Art
- Photography
Jayden Emslie
Position at MSSA: VP Events
Year: 3
About:
Having been passionate about various creative avenues as a kid, BMS was the perfect program to apply my interdisciplinary interests to real-world career opportunities. You can find me taking photos of live music events around campus, such as Koerner’s Pub, or at our MSSA events hosted throughout the term. I am very excited to jump out of my comfort zone as VP Events and plan more activities for BMS students to showcase their many talents!
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Photography
- Indigenous New Media
- Visual Arts
Indyanna Vanderlaan (she/they)
Position at MSSA: Secretary
Year: 4
About:
I joined BMS to be able to study many different arts and figure out which of my interests I would want to pursue for a career after university! I ended up appreciating the cohort system way more than I'd expected, narrowing down my goals, and learning about subjects I never would have thought to seek out myself. I'm excited to provide fun opportunities for our cohorts to mesh and see each other outside of class through MSSA!
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Film Studies
- Film Production
- Media Theory
Laury-Ann Mahieu
Position at MSSA: Communications Coordinator
Year: 3
About:
My complex feelings for the media that shapes us pushed me to the BMS program, where I’ve made surprising and unforgettable experiences. In MSSA, I strive to create more meaningful memories by connecting with others in this close knit community full of diverse skills and ideas. I am always thinking about my next creative project, whether it be painting, writing, or even skills I learned in my classes such as photography and digital design.
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Creative Writing
- Visual Art
Victoria Li
Position at MSSA: Victoria Li
Year: 1
About:
I'm a frequent Blue Chip Cafe customer who loves to produce and consume media. What attracted me about the BMS program was its unorthodox nature that set itself apart from other programs, especially considering its tighter knit community where you grow alongside likeminded creatives. Joining MSSA was an extension of that—I could be part of an initiative to further build that community and meet other undergrads beyond the first year bubble.
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Creative Writing
- Film/Video Production
- Digital Design
Aubrey Ventura
Position at MSSA: First Year Representative
Year: 1
About:
I joined the BMS program because of its interdisciplinary approach to media topics, with my favourites being visual art, information studies, and computer science! My hobbies include fashion, cafe hopping, and design! You might find me on campus at the Starbucks beside the UBC bookstore, grabbing an iced matcha latte (with oat milk, of course). I look forward to connecting first-year media students and fostering a close-knit community!
Personal Interest in Media Studies
- Graphic design
- UI/UX design
- Technology